Child Health A-Z

Growth in Children

Growing is an essential part of childhood. Children's most dramatic growth phases occur during fetal development, the first few years of life, and at the onset of puberty. The rate at which a child grows is an individual process, based partly on heredity, gender, and environmental factors such as nutrition.

However, growth can be affected and, sometimes, stopped by many disorders and diseases, including the following:

hormone deficiencies
nutritional deficiencies
intestinal disorders
kidney, lung, and heart diseases
bone disorders
diabetes or other blood sugar disorders
any severe form of a disease
severe stress or emotional trauma

As children mature, delayed or limited growth may cause stress if teasing occurs. Building a healthy self-esteem helps children cope with these challenges. Family, friends, and teachers who are realistic, positive, and affectionate help to promote a positive self-concept in children and adolescents.

Listed in the directory below you will find some additional information about growth in children, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Last Update
February 3, 2008